Requirement Overview
Freelance digital nomads applying for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) must prove they have adequate healthcare coverage. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ley 28/2022), applicants must hold a private health insurance policy that provides coverage in Spain equivalent to the National Health System.
Why It Is Needed
Under the Startup Law (Ley 28/2022), non-EU remote workers and freelancers must ensure they do not become a burden on the Spanish public healthcare system during their initial residency. This is a mandatory eligibility criterion for the visa or residency permit approval.
Satisfying Evidence
To satisfy this requirement, freelancers must provide:
- A certificate from a private insurance company authorized to operate in Spain.
- The policy must offer full coverage (hospitalization and emergencies) without co-payments (sin copagos) and without waiting periods (sin carencias).
- Documented proof of payment for the premium.
Legalization and Translation
- Apostille: Generally, insurance certificates issued by Spanish entities do not require an apostille. If using a foreign policy (which must provide equivalent Spanish coverage), the document may require legalisation.
- Translation: If the policy or certificate is not in Spanish, a Sworn Translation (Traducción Jurada) is typically mandatory to ensure the terms meet the Ministry's standards.
Common Pitfalls
- Co-payments: Policies with 'copagos' are frequently rejected by the UGE/Consulate.
- Travel Insurance: Standard travel insurance or 'digital nomad' plans that only cover emergencies are insufficient; the policy must match the Spanish National Health System's scope.
- Social Security: While freelancers will eventually register with Seguridad Social (RETA) to become 'autónomos', private insurance is required for the initial application phase.